Cats hint at Gary Ablett return

FRANK Costa and Cameron Mooney say Gary Ablett could finish his career back at Geelong if Gold Coast does not make finals by the end of 2015.

Ablett, 28, has flourished in his first two seasons as Suns captain, but could be tempted to return home to Geelong when his contract expires in three years.

The champion ball-winner played in two premierships at Geelong but left in 2010 to become the highest-paid player in the league, on a reported $1.5million five-year deal at Gold Coast.

The 2009 Brownlow medallist is believed to have agonised over the decision to depart and continues to maintain strong relationships with players and officials at Geelong.

Asked if there was a realistic chance the Cats could lure Ablett back, former Geelong president Costa said: "I think there is. Every time he speaks to his mates back home, I think they say, `When are you coming home, Gaz?'

"So he knows he's popular back here and he is very close with his mum and his brother and sister and his father. The Geelong Football Club and the Ablett name - it's a magic potion, I tell you."

Premiership teammate Mooney said he felt Ablett had the capacity to play for another eight seasons.

"The thing with Gaz, he could be the modern-day Leigh Matthews," Mooney said. "He could go until he is 36 or 37 years old, averaging 40 goals a season until he is finished. It would be nice if he was doing that back at Geelong.

"I think he'd like to finish back here because one thing the Abletts are known for, they are Geelong people."

Mooney said the Suns' form would probably be a major factor in Ablett's next contract decision.

The Geelong Football Club and the Ablett name - it's a magic potion, I tell you.

While the Cats remain in the premiership mix, the Suns have won six games in their first two seasons.

"The thing about Gaz is he hates losing. He hates it," Mooney said.

"He's the most competitive bloke that I know. So the fact that he's losing wouldn't be sitting too well with him.

"In the next three years, if he sees major improvement (at Gold Coast), which we all think they will, or should, then I think he would stay on for that."

Costa said he had no doubt the Geelong faithful would welcome back Ablett, despite him leaving in the middle of a reported fallout with then coach Mark Thompson.

"I'm certain they would accept him," he said.

"He's a very honourable fellow, Gary, so you know he will do his best for Gold Coast for the five years he is committed."

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